Jundiapeba was the neighborhood with the highest number of consultations in the city Débora Carvalho/TV Diário The municipal health network of Mogi das Cruzes registered 29,593 consultations of patients with suspected flu and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) between May 15th and July 7th. Of this total, 68.95% had not been vaccinated against the flu, according to data from the city's Gripometer. ?The “Gripometer” is a digital panel for real-time monitoring of cases of flu and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG) registered in the Mogi das Cruzes health network. In total, 20,407 patients were not vaccinated. Another 8,072 (27.27%) had received the influenza vaccine. The remaining patients did not have their vaccination status informed. ? Click to follow the g1 Mogi das Cruzes e Suzano channel on WhatsApp According to the Municipal Department of Health and Wellbeing, on July 7th, for example, 207 patients were treated for flu-like symptoms. Of these, 113 were not vaccinated, which represents 54.59% of the total. This rate is worrying because it coincides with the period of greatest circulation of respiratory viruses. "Vaccination reduces the risk of progression to serious forms of the disease, which are what require patients to seek emergency care units", he informed. Vaccination coverage in the municipality is also below the target established by the Ministry of Health. As of July 7, 51.21% of the priority public had been immunized, while the goal is to reach 90% coverage. Read also Flu vaccine: see where to get vaccinated in the cities of Alto Tietê The general total of doses applied, including non-priority doses, to date, is 111,170. However, according to the city hall, the release of the vaccine to the entire population contributed to increasing the number of people immunized. Flu vaccination The city hall reported that it is adopting some strategies to strengthen immunization in the municipality. Among them are: Vaccination open to the entire population from 6 months onwards; Drive-thrus; Vaccination in schools; Extramural actions in high-traffic locations, such as Mercadão, Bom Prato and Terminal Central; Extended opening hours in eight units; Permanent dissemination of Gripometer data to raise public awareness. Neighborhoods with the most cases of flu syndromes Jundiapeba was the neighborhood with the highest number of cases of flu syndromes recorded in the Gripometer. Between May 15th and July 6th, 3,032 consultations were recorded. Of this total, 26.98% of patients were vaccinated against the flu. According to the Municipal Department of Health and Wellbeing of Mogi das Cruzes, there are some factors that may influence the higher number of patients in this region. In addition to the district having more than 80 thousand inhabitants, the area has an Emergency Care Unit (UPA), which operates 24 hours a day and offers emergency care, receiving patients from several neighboring neighborhoods and even other cities. Next comes Jardim Aeroporto, with 1,036 services. Among the patients, 30.12% were vaccinated. Next is Jardim Universo, with 918 services. In this neighborhood, 27.23% of patients treated had received the influenza vaccine. Importance of getting vaccinated Since June 1st, the flu vaccine has been available to the entire population in the Basic Health Units (UBSs) of Mogi das Cruzes, following determination by the State Department of Health. According to the Mogi das Cruzes Department of Health, 77% of children admitted to the Municipal Hospital had not been vaccinated. And 100% of children with severe influenza were not immunized. This shows that vaccination is essential to prevent more serious cases of the disease, such as hospitalizations and complications, especially among the most vulnerable populations. The infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the University of Mogi das Cruzes, Jean Gorinchteyn, explained that the vaccine protects against some types of flu viruses. "There are two types of vaccine, the vaccine in the public sector and the private market. In the public vaccine, we have protection against three viruses, two of the Influenza A subtype and one of the Influenza B." The professor said that virus fragments stimulate the body's defense and, in this way, protect by forming antibodies. "It is important to remember that, if I take the vaccine today, I will only be protected after 12 to 14 days. This means that, if I took the vaccine today and tomorrow I am exposed to someone with the flu, I am not properly protected, I could develop into the flu and eventually even a more serious form", he added. The doctor highlighted that, even if immunized, the patient can become infected with the virus and develop the disease. “[...] they may eventually have the flu, but a much milder, much milder condition.” Therefore, the infectious disease specialist highlighted the importance of everyone getting immunized, especially children and the elderly. “As we get older, the presence of comorbidities can lead to a much more serious flu condition that can lead to hospitalization or even lead to death.” To receive the vaccine at health units, you must bring a photo ID and, in the case of children, in addition to your ID or birth certificate, you must bring your vaccination card. Click here to check the addresses of the units When the first symptoms of the flu appear, the recommendation from the Ministry of Health is that the patient seeks a UBS or Family Health Unit (USF), when they are milder, and an emergency room for emergency situations. Read more Shopping malls in Alto Tietê have 67 job openings this Tuesday; see list Alto Tietê has more than 4,500 job openings this Monday; check the list Alto Tietê has more than 94 thousand doses of flu vaccine available See everything about Alto Tietê A